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Thursday, 25 December 2008

Keeping Hunt the Wren tradition alive

THE age old custom of Hunting the Wren will be kept alive across the Isle of Man on Boxing Day. According to Margaret Killip in The Folklore of the Isle of Man wren-hunting had at one time taken place on Christmas Day but more recently has taken place the following day.

'In origin the Hunt the Wren may be related to the performances of the Christmas mummers, the White Boys and the Mollag Band, who were essentially also purveyors of good luck and prosperity,' the book explains, adding 'One theorist, convinced of its antiquity, suggests that "the wren cult reached the British Isles during the Bronze Age and was carried by the Megalith builders" which, if it could be proved, would make it possibly the oldest surviving custom in existence.'

The custom, a highlight of St Stephen's Day for many generations, was once widespread throughout the British Isles.

Manx National Heritage curator of social history Yvonne Cresswell said: 'Originally it was quite a bloodthirsty ritual as gangs of youths would scour the countryside looking for a defenceless wren to trap and kill, but now a more humane option is to use an artificial bird.

'The wren then became the centrepiece for a "bush" - two wooden hoops set at right angles and placed on top of a pole and covered with ribbons and evergreens.'

She explained: 'The "bush" would then be carried from house to house while the group sang the Hunt the Wren song and hoped to collect some money or treats for their troubles.

'The song charts the progress of the wren from being hunted, caught, cooked and then eaten. There are many suggestions as to why the poor wren should be singled out for such treatment, such as it being a commemoration of the martyrdom of St Stephen and revenge on the wren because it is the reincarnation of an enchantress who lured men to their death in droves.

'The feathers of the wren are distributed amongst the wren boys as a good luck charm, being particularly potent against witchcraft and to prevent a shipwreck.'

The age old Celtic custom will be kept alive in several places on Boxinf Day, with wren hunters meeting at Port St Mary Golf Pavillion at 10am, outside Woodbourne Hotel, Douglas, at 10.15am, at Dhoon Church hall for performances in Maughold and Ramsey, 10.30am.

Musicians, singers and anyone willing to learn the dance can also meet at the Arboretum car park, St John's, 10.30am prompt.

THE HUNTING OF THE WREN

We'll away to the woods, says Robin to Bobbin; We'll away to the woods, says Richard to Robin; We'll away to the woods, says Jack of the Land; We'll away to the woods, says every one.

What shall we do there? says Robin to Bobbin. Repeat, etc.

We will hunt the wren, says Robin to Bobbin. Repeat, etc.

Where is he? where is he? says Robin to Bobbin. Repeat, etc.

In yonder green bush, says Robin to Bobbin. Repeat, etc.

I see him, I see him, says Robin to Bobbin.Repeat, etc.

How shall we get him down? says Robin to Bobbin. Repeat, etc.

With sticks and stones, says Robin to Bobbin. Repeat, etc.

He is dead, he is dead, says Robin to Bobbin. Repeat, etc.

How shall we get him home? says Robin to Bobbin. Repeat, etc.

We'll hire a cart, says Robin to BobbinRepeat, etc.

Whose cart shall we hire? says Robin to Bobbin. Repeat, etc.

Johnny Bill Fell's, says Robin to BobbinRepeat, etc.

Who will stand driver? says Robin to Bobbin. Repeat, etc.

Filley the Tweet, says Robin to Bobbin.Repeat, etc.

He's home, he's home, says Robin to Bobbin. Repeat, etc.

How shall we get him boild? says Robin to Bobbin. Repeat, etc.

In the brewery pan, says Robin to Bobbin. Repeat, etc.

How shall we get him in? says Robin to Bobbin. Repeat, etc.

With iron bars and a rope, says Robin to Bobbin. Repeat, etc.

He is in, he is in, says Robin to Bobbin. Repeat, etc.

He is boil'd, he is boil'd, says Robin to Bobbin. Repeat, etc.

How shall we get him out? says Robin to Bobbin. Repeat, etc. With a long pitchfork, says Robin to Bobbin.Repeat, etc.

He is out, he is out, says Robbin to Bobbin. Repeat, etc.

Who's to dine at dinner? says Robin to Bobbin. Repeat, etc.

The King and the Queen, says Robin to Bobbin. Repeat, etc.

How shall we get him eat? says Robin to Bobbin. Repeat, etc.

With knives and forks, says Robbin to Bobbin. Repeat, etc.

He is eat, he is eat, says Robin to Bobbin. Repeat, etc.

The eyes for the blind, says Robin to Bobbin. Repeat, etc.

The legs for the lame, say Robin to Bobbin. Repeat, etc.

The pluck for the poor, says Robin to Bobbin. Repeat, etc.

The bones for the dogs, says Robin to Bobbin; The bones for the dogs, says Richard to Robin; The bones- for the dogs, says Jack of the land; The bones for the dogs, says every one.

The wren, the wren, the king of all birds, We have caught, St. Stephen's Day, in the furze; Although he is little, his family's great, I pray you, good dame, do give us a treat.